Ben might be limited in practice

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suffered a foot sprain in the first half of the Buffalo game, but Coach Mike Tomlin doesn’t expect it to sideline him this week when the Steelers travel to Baltimore for an AFC North match-up against the Ravens.

“He might be limited somewhat tomorrow,” said Tomlin. “I am going to be optimistic and hopeful and he may be a full participant, but there is a chance he couldn’t be.

“There is some pain and discomfort. We will see where the week takes us.”

Roethlisberger is in a walking boot to protect the foot, which he injured in the first half, but he never came out of the game.

“I didn’t think Ben was in danger of coming out of the game,” said Tomlin. “He was absent from our sideline at the end of the first half and late coming back after halftime. We were taking a picture of his foot. I was comfortable he was going to compete throughout the game.”

If Roethlisberger were unable to play on Sunday, Byron Leftwich would start at quarterback.

In other injury news wide receiver Antonio Brown, who missed the Bills game with a knee injury, looks to be on the road to recovery.

“Antonio worked out this morning and had a really good workout,” said Tomlin.”We are optimistic about this guy participating in the early portion and really fully participating this week. We’ll see where that participation takes us.”

Nick Eason (knee) and Bryant McFadden (hamstring) could also be limited in practice early in the week, but it’s hopeful both will be ready for Sunday’s game. Matt Spaeth, who missed the Bills game with a concussion, will undergo concussion testing on Wednesday morning. Brett Keisel, who was downgraded and missed the Bills game with a calf injury, is expected to be back at full strength this week.

The Steelers will take the same approach this week that they have the last few weeks with Troy Polamalu, holding him back in practice with an ankle injury, but him playing on Sunday.

“We simply want to take every precaution possible to keep this guy up and running,” said Tomlin. “It’s obvious he is playing really good football for us and we want that to continue. There is as fine line in terms of that when you talk about limiting someone’s participation, but he is a veteran football player and a good one. We are going to do the best thing we can in terms of getting him to the stadium in one piece.”